Guessing what the pitcher is going to throw is 80% of being a successful hitter. The other 20% is just execution.

On the field, blacks have been able to be super giants. But, once our playing days are over, this is the end of it and we go back to the back of the bus again.

I had just turned 20, and Jackie told me the only way to be successful at anything was to go out and do it. He said baseball was a game you played every day, not once a week.

Consistency is what counts; you have to be able to do things over and over again.

Maybe the day will come when I can sit back and be content....But until that day comes, I intend to stay in the batter's box - I don't let the big guys push me out of there anymore - and keep hammering away.

Whatever we do, make sure we clean up baseball.

Can I smoke now without someone taking my picture?